Even the most ingenious innovations – like the Apple iPod – can cause serious problems for users: this #@%$ earphone cord is always in the way! Yeah, maybe “serious” is the wrong word to use when discussing music players and their headphones (especially in light of everything else that’s wrong these days) but I’d venture to say that pretty much everyone has gotten tangled in an earbud cord at least once in their life.

Pod a porter, a lovely neckband for iPod Shuffle (Image: Shapeways)

Over at Shapeways.com, maker MichielCornelissen (a.k.a. Michiel Cornelissen) has come up with a 3D printed thingamajig that just may solve all your problems…provided you use the iPod shuffle 3rd or 4th generation.

The 3D printed Pod à porter for iPod shuffle (4th gen version shown here) is a polyamide tube that holds a music player at one end, loops loosely around your neck for easy transport, and guides/conceals the headphone cord so that only the minimum necessary is exposed (and yes, the controls are still accessible).

According to Mr. Cornelissen, “Pod à porter is great for walking, strolling, commuting, and many other activities, but has not been specifically designed or tested for use during workouts or sports.”

The Pod à porter is an elegant solution to one of the great problems of the digital age. So, as Mr. Cornelissen puts it, “Don’t let unruly wires get between your and your music.” Navigate your way over to Shapeways.com and pick one up for yourself.

Michiel Cornelissen got a lot more to offer – more at his website www.michielcornelissen.com (Image: All3DP)